So, for initiating the shinai swing, first use the hip as the fulcrum (rotational axis), then the shoulder, elbow, wrist and finally the center of gravity of the shinai. That is, when the whole body is used as a whip and the final power is injected into the shinai tip, a very powerful datotsu (strike) can be made.[Hakudoh_Sae].

Rather than kicking off strongly from the left leg, the sensation is one of pushing off a little where the advanced right leg pulls the body’s center of gravity forward. The point is, rather than jumping to strike at the instant to strike, the feeling is as if the right leg pulls the body forward. With this approach, the Achilles tendon is unburdened. – Nakamura sensei [Nakamura_HealingKendo]

…feel the tension in your lower abdomen. … you don’t want the tension to come into your shoulders. You want to be striking with your lower body – Alex Bennett sensei at (5:10-5:16mins) in [KendoWorld_Fumikomi].

The Center

With regards to pressuring each other (seme-ai) at the sword tips, rather than taking the center and then striking, it is important to take the center when you strike [Hakudoh_Center].

When to Strike

When you put pressure on an opponent, they get scared and negative emotions well up – the four obstacles of surprise, fear, doubt and indecision. When those four appear in your opponent, that’s the best time to strike. – at 7:53 min.

The judges won’t be impressed if you strike at the wrong time no matter what you do. There are specific opportunities to strike such as catching the opponent as they come forward or forcing an attack as they drop back.– at 10:49 min.

At the moment of a bolt of lightening, the thunder is released; at the moment of seeing an opportunity to strike, already the opportunity no longer exists.

Therefore at the moment of being aware of the existence of an opportunity one must already have launched in to attack it.

One must strike on the T of There and upon the H of here is what we are taught.

How are we to manage this? The answer lies ultimately in the use of Kan.

When one possesses Kan, chances for attack project themselves as though they were reflected in a mirror.

An important condition for developing and sustaining Kan is the possession of a clear and unsullied mind, uninhibited by unnecessary thoughts and intentions that will only mar its effect and its magical power will be lost.

The conditions necessary for the fostering of Kan are long experience and a clear and serene frame of mind.

Seme

Strategy and Mindset

When your opponent is hurrying recklessly, you must act contrarily and keep calm. You must not be influenced by the opponent.

The important thing in strategy is to suppress the enemy’s useful actions but allow his useless actions.

In the strategy of my school, keep your body and mind straight and make your opponent go through contortions and twist about. The essence is to defeat him in the moment when, in his mind, he is pivoting and twisting.

When you and your opponent are fighting and nothing is going right, nor is there progress, be of a mind to throw off your former intention and start entirely anew. Take on another rhythm and see your way to victory. … you should change your mind on the spot and take the victory by using another tactic.

An old teaching says that as soon as you open your eyes you begin to err. This means that you become attached to where you focus your gaze. For example . . . If you look at the opponent’s hands your attention will be directed to his hands and if you look to his feet, you(r) attention will be drawn to his feet. In this situation you resemble an empty house. A thief could steal into an empty house, as there is no master at home to prevent it. Therefore keep a broad view and avoid fixated vision.

When trying to beat the opponent by attacking him at the left side of his sword (ura), cast your eyes on the right side of his sword (omote). If you do the opponent will defend his right side and leave his left side undefended.

Schoolboys and girls have not yet established physical strength so there is no point in using power. It is important to strike in the perfect moment and strike without power – however this is not easy. – Kobayashi Hideo [Kendojidai_Iwao]

When practicing with weaker opponents, take that opportunity to practice seme, creating opportunities to strike and striking at the right time. – Shoraku Takao sensei (7 Dan Kyoshi) (My translation and recollection of his advice to me.)

The first and most essential thing you must develop to improve your kendo is your emotional strength, that is, to have an indomitable spirit.

Don’t put too much importance on winning or losing.

Like the well known phrase “turn a failure into a success” suggests, being struck is a chance to learn: “why was I strike(d) then?”

People believe that the reason for mastering swordsmanship is to be able to cut down one’s enemies. For myself, however I seek to master swordsmanship because through it I seek divine principle. If once I attain this, my heart will be as still water, calm and quite, like a clear mirror lucid and bright, able to cope instantly with any situation. . . .

Shinsa

Try to not mix up your reasons/goal (Mokuteki) with objectives (Mokuhyô). The reason/goal of your practice is “The evolution of your human behaviour through the practice (Shûren) and respect of the sword principles”. The final goal should not be replaced by objectives like passing an examination or winning a competition. All those objectives are only steps you have to go through (milestones) to reach the bigger goal/reason. – Toshikhiko Kawaguchi (Kyoshi 7 dan, Iaido Hanshi 8 dan) [Kawaguchi]

In response to the question: “What was the key … in your daily practice (to pass the 8 dan shinsa)?”

A lot of people say this but I also practiced Shodachi during normal practice, with everyone. – Iwao Yukuo (8 dan) (Shodachi is the first strike 初太刀)

The Practice in and out of the Dojo

Many people think that they cannot practise if they do not go to the Dojo, but this is incorrect. Even during everyday conversations you can practise breathing methods. … Holding the strap (of your bag or sword case) while on the train is a way to practise Tenouchi. … plant your feet down and utilize your Koshi in such a way that you have a stable posture even if the train shakes. Devising such small ways to practise transforms your everyday lifestyle into a Dojo. – Chihiro Kishimoto (Iaido Hanshi 8 dan) [Kishimoto]

I firmly believe that the way that you behave and move in Iai does not specially change from the way that you behave and move in your daily life. This applies to when you sit down, stand up, change direction, walk and anything else that you do when a guest comes to your house – the only difference is that you have a sword in your belt and that you draw and re-sheathe your sword. – Shizufumi Ishido (Kendo Kyoshi 7 dan, Iaido Hanshi 8 dan, Jodo Kyoshi 8 dan) [Ishido]

Don’t live for kendo or by kendo but with kendo. – Kiyoshi Hao (7 Dan)

Etiquette (reigi)

Geoff Salmon (7 dan)

It (reigi) is a fundamental expression of our regard for others and without it kendo turns into a brawl with sticks.– Geoff Salmon [Kendoinfo_Reiho]

Reigi is not a one way street. We should show equal respect to seniors and juniors because we learn from our practice with both.[Kendoinfo_Reigi]

If you keiko with compassion and gratitude at all times then once keiko is finished you will naturally say ‘thank you.’ – Ota Tadanori (Hanshi, 8 dan) [Kenshi247_Rei]

When doing sonkyo,… imagine that you are dropping down into still water and don’t want to cause a splash or lots of waves. – Yukiko Takami (6 dan) at the 3rd AUSKF Women’s Seminar, July 14-15, 2018 (Thanks to Susan Zau sensei).

Aging in Kendo

As I become older I move more slowly, but I also see my opponent’s movement more slowly.– Kikuchi Koichi sensei from [KendoInfo_Older].

As you age you will lose to those more physically powerful than you. Use your partners power against them, and win through technique. – Ogawa Kinosuke (10th dan) [Kensh247_Judan]

… kendo must be practised with the extreme instability of mind that would occur if you were facing life or death.

…in order to be always ready to give an instant strike without missing any proper chances to attack whilst still keeping a perfect defence position, you must master the techniques and skills of kendo. These however, can only be well performed when you maintain a calmness of mind which enables you to fully display your trained technique.

Therefore, it is the true aim of kendo practise not only to try to improve your technique, but also to train your mind and spirit to find the rightness of mind (“no mind” / mushin), so that your mind, which is the source of the technique; will not be bound by anything.

A strike should not be made recklessly, but you should strike when the opponent’s mind is disturbed.

Unless you are constantly in full spirit, keeping your mind calm and open you cannot instantly strike your opponent off-guard, even when his spirit is no longer alert.

If your mind is innocent (free of preconception), you can see through all your opponents actions and strike freely without any hesitation, catching every available chance.

First, “if there is no opening, don’t attack.” If there is no opening and you attack, you are opening yourself up and may be struck yourself. … Next, if there is no opening, you must make an opening by breaking them (kuzushi), then attack.